James William Colgan

James William Colgan, 87, of Smithton, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Belleville Memorial Hospital. He was born September 4, 1934 in East St. Louis, IL to Paul M. and Alice Marie (Wolf) Colgan.

He married Peggy Jenkins on March 18, 1960 in East St. Louis, IL and together they shared 62 years of marriage. She survives and resides in Smithton, IL.

Also surviving are his two children, Eric (wife, Josie) Colgan of Smithton, IL and Candy (husband, Gregg) Alford of Albers, IL; and his two grandchildren, Paul and Grace.

James loved spending time in the great outdoors, especially being on the water fishing. In years past, he traveled to many different destinations to fish, including Canada, Alaska, and Yellowstone National Park.

He loved taking pictures and videos and had an eye for capturing the best moments.

James proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 7074 in Freeburg, IL. He was employed with Illinois Central Railroad for 38 years. While working for the railroad, he also was an art and photography teacher at Belleville East for 35 years, sharing his love of the camera with his students.

James will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street 225, Arlington, VA 22203.

A visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 9:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.

A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation, at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.

Interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO at 2:00 P.M., where full military rites will be rendered.